"Why wasn't I told of that?" Lucas opened his eyes with the question and looked directly at his brother's worried countenance.
"My dear fellow, you were too sick to be bothered. Besides, you were taking morphia. He saw to that."
Lucas closed his eyes again without comment, A long pause ensued before he spoke again.
Then: "Bertie," he said, "go down to the garage and leave word that as soon as Nap returns I want to speak to him."
"He won't return," said Bertie, with conviction.
"I think he will. It is even possible that he has returned already. In any case, go and tell them. Ah, Tawny, what is it?"
The valet came to his master's side. His hideous features wore an expression that made them almost benign. The dumb devotion of an animal looked out of his eyes.
"A note, sir, from the Manor."
"Who brought it?" asked Lucas.
"A groom, sir."